Written by Connor V Kovacik and Rockford Dorman
In this episode of FSU Student Life, host Nick Campau sits down with a panel of guests to dive into the world of intramural and club sports at Ferris State University. Joined by Elaina Britvec, the Intramural Sports Supervisor; Zachary Roach, Club Sports President; and Stoney Hart, Associate Director of Competitive Sports and Facilities, the group provides an insightful look into the opportunities available for students to get involved in sports outside of the classroom.
Understanding the Difference: Intramurals vs. Club Sports
Stoney Hart kicks things off by explaining the key differences between intramural and club sports. He breaks down the three tiers of club sports, which offer increasing levels of competition and travel, and discusses how they give students the opportunity to compete on a larger scale. On the other hand, intramural sports are designed to engage the entire Ferris State community, allowing all students—no matter their skill level—to participate in the sports they love.
Zachary Roach adds that club sports tend to require more commitment in terms of time and financial investment. Unlike intramurals, where competition is strictly within the Ferris community, club sports involve travel to compete against other universities. This travel, Zachary notes, fosters strong bonds among teammates. Currently, Ferris offers 31 club sports, with a 32nd on the way.
Intramural Sports: Fun and Accessible for All
Elaina Britvec highlights some of Ferris’ most popular intramural sports, including flag football, volleyball, and basketball. She explains the different seasons for intramurals and how the offerings rotate throughout the year, ensuring that students always have opportunities to play the sports they enjoy. Additionally, Elaina shares how the university uses social media polls and feedback to gauge student interest in potential new sports, keeping the offerings fresh and responsive to the community.
Elaina also touches on the camaraderie built through club sports, especially when joining as a freshman. She’s seen firsthand how these teams become close-knit groups, often spending time together outside of practice, forming friendships that last throughout their time at Ferris.
FAQs About Club Sports and Intramurals
The group tackles some common questions students often have about joining these sports. When asked about practice schedules, Zachary explains that club sports practice regularly due to their competitive nature, while intramurals typically don’t require practice and players usually show up before games for warm-ups.
On the topic of fees, Elaina clarifies that intramural sports have a one-time $40 fee per semester, which gives students access to all intramural sports and free activities like cornhole and basketball tournaments. Many students, however, opt to pay individually for specific sports. In contrast, club sports have varying dues depending on the club, with hockey being one of the most expensive options, while soccer tends to be more affordable.
Zachary elaborates on the process for determining club sports funding. Each year, club presidents meet to present their financial needs based on their club’s performance, fundraising efforts, and community involvement. These activities help clubs stay active in the community while securing funding for their seasons.
The Cost of Club Sports
When asked about how clubs cover costs, Stoney shares that fees often go toward field rentals, referees, and other operational expenses. Since club sports are student-run, these clubs must fund much of their activities themselves, which is why dues can be higher than those for intramurals, which are organized by the Rec Center staff.
Favorite Memories and Future Sports Additions
As the conversation shifts to more personal experiences, Elaina fondly remembers captaining a volleyball team that made it to the championship, where her team emerged victorious. Her rivalry with Zachary turned into a fun collaboration when they joined the same team the following semester. Zachary’s favorite memory was a thrilling moment when his friend hit a half-court shot just as the basketball game’s buzzer sounded. Stoney reminisced about winning the B league volleyball championship with his team, showcasing how these sports create lasting memories.
The group also addressed some recent requests for new sports, such as pickleball and disc golf. Stoney confirmed that disc golf will be added to the intramural and club sports offerings after Spring Break.
Referees and Game Oversight
Finally, Stoney discussed the importance of referees in ensuring fair play in both intramural and club sports. After interviewing new referees at the Rec Fest, Stoney is excited to see them grow and contribute to maintaining the quality of games.
In conclusion, Ferris State offers a wealth of opportunities for students to get involved in both competitive and recreational sports. Whether you’re looking to compete at the club level or enjoy a more relaxed intramural experience, there’s something for everyone. If you haven’t yet, it might be time to sign up and make some new memories while staying active!